Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Five Stages of Games Workshop Players

All the discussion of finecast miniatures has reminded me of all the different types of games workshop gamers. Not everyone falls exactly into these categories but I think they cover most often as a combination of two. While these can seem critical of the class all these different groups are needed for the healthy gaming community.

Newbie: "Those are nice miniatures. Oh, they go to this game, cool. Maybe I should give that a try." Trait: Innocence.

Fanboy: "Games Workshop miniatures are the best of any wargaming company. The games are great and GW does everything right." Trait: Passion, Zeal.

Invested Player: "Sure the price rises are annoying but they need to make a profit. The codexes have balance issues but that is because you have so much freedom in making your army. Those FAQ take so long since they really want to get it right and consistent. They must be doing something right look at all the players." Trait: Determination, Commitment.

Disgruntled Veteran: "I still play some GW since I have the armies but I really only buy the new rules and an occasional piece. I really get sick of GW's balance issues, price raises, and bad rules. Anymore problems and I am done." Trait: Critical View

Moved On: "I used to play GW, remember how good this specialist game was. I am now spending my time with X. You should give it a try it is way better than Games Workshop stuff." Trait: Showing the outside world.

I am sort of between Disgruntled veteran and Moved On. I have yet to find the table top wargame replacement but I have been regaining old hobby interest after being very GW focused for about 4 years.

My biggest issue is really time to get out to play. I am like a once every couple of month player recently so investing in any game is not really cost effective. I have instead put my recent hobby funds into getting Legos to play with my daughter with. I figure when she is done with them my coming son will be just the right age to pick them up.

Sunekun, I do not think everyone will end up there but if they do not change some of there corporate polices I think a lot of people will get there much faster than GW wants. There other big problem is when the Newbies change from "those are cool minis." to "you want how much for those pieces of plastic."